Best Madeira Tours: Guide to the 4X4 Enchanted Terraces Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Madeira, you’re probably overwhelmed by all the incredible things to do in Funchal and beyond.

With so many beautiful landscapes, from jagged, high-elevation peaks to the mesmerizing black sand beaches, how do you choose where to explore on the island of Madeira?

The best way to explore Madeira, hassle-free (no rental car necessary) is to book one of the many guided day trips on the island. Starting and ending in Funchal, Madeira’s capital city, you’ll experience Madeira’s many landscapes, without the hassle of determining the driving route, checking weather conditions, and getting to the right place at the right time.

Book your Madeira tours, hassle-free HERE ⬇️

Here are three of my FAVORITE tours in Madeira, Portugal!

Booking the Madeira 4X4 Enchanted Terraces tour – a guided tour of the mystical landscapes of the northwest part of the island – was the best decision I made when I visited Madeira…besides the extravagant idea to spend a few nights at the lavish Cliff Bay Resort.

In this post, I’ll walk you through my experience on the 4X4 Enchanted Terraces tour and discuss the details of each stop on the tour.

Plus, I’ll share pros and cons to this Madeira guided tour and suggest a packing list to make your tour experience as incredible as mine!

Keep reading to discover exactly why you NEED to add this incredible guided tour to your Madeira itinerary!

What’s Included (and NOT) in the 4X4 Enchanted Terraces Tour of Northwest Madeira

The 4X4 Enchanted Terraces tour (also referred to as the 4X4 northwest Madeira tour in this post!) is a full-day adventure that covers the mystical landscapes of Madeira, including a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Fanal Forest!

Many travelers who chose not to rent a car in Madeira (me included) would find it difficult to get to the foggy, fantasy-like Fanal Forest, but this tour makes it easy!

It’s the perfect Madeira guided tour for travelers who chose not to rent a car, but want to explore the stunning island landscapes beyond Funchal.

On this tour you’ll traverse the landscapes via an open top 4X4 – usually a Jeep or an off-roading SUV. 

NOTE: This tour is VERY dependent on weather! The itinerary listed below may change or reorder depending on the weather on your tour day!

On the morning of my 4X4 Enchanted Terraces tour, Fanal Forest experienced a mystical transformation which shrouded the landscape in fog. Our tour guide brought us to Fanal Forest FIRST in order to experience the “enchanted forest” in all its splendor!

Here’s a quick look at each stop and how long you’ll spend there (weather dependent!).

• Serra de Água: After gathering everyone from one of the many pickup locations, the first stop will be to Serra de Água, a picturesque valley on the way to Madeira’s enchanting northwest. This rest stop will allow you the chance to grab a quick breakfast (on-the-go) or use the restroom before the tour begins. 

• Lombo do Mouro Viewpoint: A beautiful viewpoint high above the island – this stop is a short photo op, ~15-20 minutes.

• Paúl da Serra: Madeira ‘s largest plateau. You’ll drive across Paúl da Serra to get to the mystical Fanal Forest. If you’re lucky, you’ll be met with fantasy-like fog. 

• Fanal Forest (UNESCO World Heritage Site): The MOST INCREDIBLE stop on the 4X4 Enchanted Terraces tour featuring a visit to the vast laurel forest. On this stop, you’ll wish for foggy weather to truly experience the magic of Madeira’s high-elevation “enchanted forest”.

• Ribeira da Janela: A beautiful viewpoint showcasing the steep hillsides of the island of Madeira. This is a short stop for photo ops.

• Porto Moniz: A collection of small natural ocean pools in the northwest side of Madeira. This was one of the longest stops on the tour, occurring around lunchtime. Travelers can spend time swimming and grab a bite to eat. Note: our group spent more time here due to unsafe swimming conditions at Seixal. 

• Seixal: Madeira’s famous black sand beach, Seixal, is an incredible sight to behold. Due to weather conditions, the group decided to spend more time at Porto Moniz, but we saw Seixal from a beautiful viewpoint on the hillside! Near Seixal is a calmer natural pool called Poço das Lemas where swimming is permitted.

• São Vicente: One of Madeira’s most mesmerizing villages at the base of two prominent peaks that split the horizon. Our group passed through the magnificent town of São Vicente and it’s at the top of my list for places to stay when I visit Madeira again!

Food and drink is not included in the 4X4 Enchanted Terraces tour!

Our group stopped at Porto Moniz during lunch, designating extra time for lunch at the restaurant near the natural pools. Some travelers spent the entire time enjoying the natural pools, while others decided to use this stop as a lunch break!

Make sure to bring your swimwear, towels and sunscreen! There are lots of places to swim on this guided day trip!

Full Breakdown and Timeline of the 4X4 Enchanted Terraces Tour

Departure from Funchal

This guided tour of Madeira lasts between 8–9 hours! You can expect to be back at your accommodations around dinnertime.

Most guides will pick travelers up from Funchal, however there are a few pick up locations, including Câmara de Lobos, outside of Funchal. You can add your pick up location when you book the tour with Get Your Guide. 

Around 8:30 – 9:00am, everyone on the tour will be ready and you’ll be heading out to your first stop on the tour – a local village in the hills of Madeira, Serra de Água! Most of the 4X4 vehicles fit 6 – 8 people, so you can expect to meet other adventurous travelers! 

Stop #1: Serra de Água

The first stop of the tour is a rest stop in the hillside village of Serra de Água.

Not many travelers pass through this beautiful valley, so make sure to snap lots of pics and take in the beautiful scenery! At this stop, you’ll have the opportunity to grab a to-go bite from a small café or use the restroom before the tour. 

This short rest stop is ~20-30 minutes depending on your guide, so you’ll have time to meet the local mountain dogs!

Now it’s time to drive to the lush green landscapes of northwest Madeira! Prepare to have your mind-blown! There are so many beautiful places all over the island.

On this tour, you’ll experience mesmerizing waterfalls and enjoy the beautiful cerulean natural pools framed by the Atlantic Ocean. 

Stop #2: Lombo do Mouro Viewpoint

The journey to Paúl da Serra, Madeira’s largest plateau, will have you traversing high-elevation landscapes with lots of bumpy, dirt roads.

There’s a reason why a 4X4 SUV is needed to get to these places. The average car cannot make it through the rocky, tumultuous terrain.

By this point, your expectations for this tour are probably through the roof…luckily your guide will have likely already “raised the roof” – so much so that the 4X4 will no longer have one for the duration of the tour!

This was the most exciting part of the tour – getting to stand up in the back of the 4X4 while feeling the chilly breeze blow on my face! As your vehicle climbs in elevation, you’ll experience a dramatic temperature drop – an immersion into Madeira’s microclimates. 

The “rough-riding” roller coaster – your sturdy 4X4 – will come to a stop at many viewpoints along the way, including the Lombo do Mouro viewpoint.

On a clear day, this high-elevation viewpoint displays the island’s monumental peaks including Pico do Areeiro (third tallest peak) and Pico Ruivo (tallest peak on Madeira).

After taking a few moments to enjoy the mountain views, you’ll head to the Fanal Forest, driving across Madeira’s longest plateau, Paúl da Serra.

The further into the landscape you go, the foggier it will get! It’s no wonder they call it the “Enchanted Terraces Tour” – the fog is straight out of a fantasy novel!

Stop #3: Fanal Forest UNESCO World Heritage Site

When I first started researching Madeira to plan an epic 5-day itinerary for the island, I couldn’t stop pinning fantasy-like photos of the Fanal Forest on my Madeira Pinterest board.

I knew I NEEDED to make it to the “enchanted forest”, even if I didn’t rent a car. I’m so glad I found the 4X4 Northwest Madeira tour to experience the magic of the Fanal Forest WITHOUT renting a car!

Covered in mossy laurel trees, twisted and contorted into a variety of “creature-like” structures, the Fanal Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a magnificent place that closely resembles a landscape in a fantasy novel.

We spent ~30-40 minutes at the Fanal Forest – the perfect amount of time to frolic in the fog and pretend to search for unicorns. 

Book your northwest Madeira island tour which includes a trip to the incredible Fanal Forest 🌳

Stop #4: Ribeira da Janela Viewpoint

The fantasy doesn’t have to end at Madeira’s enchanted forest! There are a few more beautiful landscapes to explore before ending the tour in Funchal.

Before driving to the next stop on the tour, Ribeira da Janela viewpoint, your guide will bring you along on a journey across Madeira’s narrow roads – the only way to see some of the island’s tranquil waterfalls. 

You’ll drive by Cascata do Lombinho, a beautiful waterfall that cascades over the road, creating the illusion of a passage through a misty veil. Your guide will likely advise you to stay in the vehicle due to the narrow road and rocky, wet conditions.

The journey continues to a breathtaking overlook with jaw-dropping views of the prominent hillsides colliding with the sapphire sea. 

Ribeira da Janela viewpoint is a short stop on the way to the next location – either Seixal or Porto Moniz, depending on the weather and swimming conditions. This viewpoint is a great place to take family photos and enjoy the incredible scenery of northwest Madeira.

Stop #5: Porto Moniz Natural Pools

At this point in the tour, lunch time has arrived. Depending on the weather and swimming conditions, your guide will likely make a decision about which location to spend more time visiting – Porto Moniz (Stop #5) or Seixal (Stop #6)

A few days leading up to my 4X4 Enchanted Terraces tour, Madeira experienced heavy rainfall in the northwest, leading to rough tides.

One of the stops on this tour includes a visit to Seixal, a small town surrounded by a black-sand beach, however due to the unsafe swimming conditions, our group spent extra time in Porto Moniz. 

The extra time allowed us to grab lunch at the restaurant located at the natural pools and enjoy extra swimming time in the refreshing but chilly water of the volcanic pools in Porto Moniz.

This was one of my favorite spots on the tour!

Stop #6: Seixal and Poça das Lesmas Natural Pools

The final stop on your 4X4 Enchanted Terraces tour is a visit to Seixal and the alluring Poça das Lesmas natural pools.

The same volcanic eruptions that formed the island of Madeira millions of years ago also created deep basins along the coast. Today, these basins are filled as the tide changes, creating natural ocean pools – the perfect place to swim on a hot day!

You’ll have the option to swim at Poça das Lesmas, a small cove in Seixal protected from the changing tides. 

There is also a small shack where you can purchase piña coladas!

Book this 4X4 Enchanted Terraces tour before it sells out! 🎟️

Drive Through: São Vicente

Seixal concludes your journey through the enchanting landscapes of northwest Madeira! Now you’ll sit back and enjoy the 35-40 minutes drive back to Funchal. Along the way, you’ll pass through the breathtaking hillside town of São Vicente.

We arrived back to Funchal just in time for dinner! I recommend stopping by restaurant A Bica for local Portuguese dishes for an affordable price!

What to Pack for the 4X4 Enchanted Terraces Tour in Madeira

The Enchanted Terraces 4X4 tour is one of the most popular activities in Madeira – especially for adventurers who don’t rent a car!

On this all-day excursion around the northwest side of Madeira, there are a few things you’ll want to bring in your day pack to ensure that you remain comfortable during the duration of the tour!

Here are the top items I recommend you bring with you in your pack:

Depending on your location on the island, you can experience a multitude of weather patterns all in a single day.

From chilly drizzles to bright sunshine, be prepared for all kinds of weather. I brought a light jacket with me to wear in the Fanal Forest and at the other high-elevation stops on the tour. Additionally, driving in the open-top 4X4 can be uncomfortably chilly without a jacket!

I mistakenly forgot my camera when I traveled to Madeira and despite the fact that I captured beautiful footage straight from my iPhone, there were many times where I WISHED I could’ve snapped a few photos on my camera.

The landscapes of Madeira are postcard-worthy – some of the most breathtaking views I’ve ever seen. You’ll be happy to have your camera to snap a few photos!

Pros and Cons of the 4X4 Enchanted Terraces Tour in Madeira

PROS

• No rental car necessary! Guided tours in Madeira like the 4X4 Enchanted Terraces tour or the Tour of East Funchal are great ways to see the island without spending money on a rental car! I would definitely not want to struggle to find parking around Funchal Old Town!

• No planning necessary! A guided tour of Madeira is the perfect way to explore without having to plan every detail of your trip. Think of it like “batch planning” your itinerary with guided visits to every part of the island. 

• Adrenaline-inducing activity! I was sorely mistaken going into the 4X4 tour thinking it would be a casual joyride around the northwest part of Madeira! This tour is an adrenaline-inducing, “rough-riding” activity that is fun for all ages. You’ll feel every bump and curve in the back of the 4X4…and you’ll be laughing with excitement the whole way!

• Start and End in Funchal. The best aspect of this tour is that your guide will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel (or at a location near your hotel). This makes it easy for travelers using Funchal as a starting point for adventure. 

• Local Guides. One of the main reasons why I love to book guided tours is to meet the tour guide, the local expert with a wealth of knowledge about the place you’re visiting! I love to get recommendations from the locals and a guided tour is the perfect place to find them!

CONS

• No Itinerary Changes. I could’ve spent all day exploring the mystical Fanal Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing contorted laurel trees usually shrouded in fantasy-like fog.

• Rain or Shine. No matter the weather, the tour will likely occur! Bring a raincoat and a change of clothes just in case you experience inclement weather! 

• Short Amount of Time at Each Stop. There’s A LOT to see in northwest Madeira. This tour gives you a general overview of the landscapes, inviting you to explore again in the future! If you have more time to spend on Madeira, you can most definitely visit these places at your own pace, however, a guided tour is the best way to see these landscapes without renting a car!

Is the 4X4 Enchanted Terraces Tour Family-Friendly?

The 4X4 Enchanted Terraces tour is a family-friendly activity in Madeira! In fact, I was surprised when our guide picked up a young couple with their toddler…car seat and all! 

This is arguably one of the most family-friendly Madeira tours as you’ll be able to enjoy the sites with the help of a guide and scheduled transportation to every stop on the itinerary!

Book this 4X4 Enchanted Terraces tour for your family adventure HERE 👯‍♀️

Is the 4X4 Enchanted Terraces Tour of Northwest Madeira Worth It?

The 4X4 Enchanted Terraces tour of northwest Madeira was my ABSOLUTE favorite activity I booked on the island of Madeira. It is 100% worth it if you want to see as much of Madeira’s northwest landscapes as possible – without renting a car!

I spent five days in Madeira – spending one full day on this adventurous tour – and I would have booked ANOTHER full day tour if I had more time on the island of Madeira!

Using Funchal as a home base, and booking guided tours directly from the capital city, was the best way to visit Madeira for the first time!

Other Madeira Tours and Activities I Recommend

I loved the 4X4 Enchanted Terraces tour SO MUCH, that I booked a variety of other awesome tours around the island of Madeira! Here are my top recommendations:

A Tour of East Madeira

Similar to the 4X4 Enchanted Terraces tour, this full-day excursion will take you on a journey of Madeira’s eastern landscapes including Santana (which features the famous “Santana houses”) and Ponta de São Lourenço, the easternmost part of the island.

Transport to and from Pico do Areeiro and Pico Ruivo

One of my favorite things to do is hike. What can I say? I’m a mountain girl! So when I found out how to easily book transport to and from Madeira’s best hike – Pico do Areeiro to Pico Ruivo – I realized that I wouldn’t need to book a rental car to explore the mountains of Madeira.

This excursion is not a guided tour, however you’ll get scheduled transport to the start of the hike, Pico do Areeiro, and from the end of the hike, Pico Ruivo. No out-and-back hiking required? Sign me up!

Local Funchal Tours

If you’d rather relax in the capital city of Madeira, there are a variety of local tours in Funchal. My favorite is THIS sunset catamaran cruise. 

I hope you have as much fun on the 4X4 Enchanted Terraces tour as I did! Enjoy the awe-inspiring landscapes of Madeira!